I guess there’s really no easy way to easily clean up or fix a house that’s been flooded. Some of our friends’ houses were totally submerged in water there was mud even on the roofs. Almost nothing was salvageable inside the house, not even a light fixture. Some of them have more than one car and most of them have also been flooded.

I can’t even imagine how difficult it would be if it happened to us. Some of my friends have been cleaning their house ever since the flood subsided. It’s a good thing that classes are suspended until Friday, there would be more time for everyone to get back on their feet.

Last Saturday, the Philippines was hit by the worst typhoon it has ever experienced in 40+ years. Thousands of Filipinos lost their homes and were left with literally nothing but the shirts on their backs. We felt really lucky that despite living in one of the most affected areas, all the damage we got was on a small part of the ceiling, wall, and floor tiles in my sister’s room.

I couldn’t count the number of times I tried to hold back tears or the number of times my heart hurt so badly while looking at pictures or watching videos of the devastation caused by Typhoon Ondoy. Just last Sunday, Ramil wordlessly hugges Mateo and me tightly numerous times throughout the day. Words were not needed to express how grateful we all were that we were spared.

We ached to help out in any way we can so we cleaned out our closets and set aside those that we can give away. We knew some people who were directly affected by the typhoon so we directed our help to them. It’s going to take a long, long time before everyone recovers from typhoon Ondoy.  I’m praying that help gets to everyone in need.

The picture above was taken when Ramil still has his motorcycle. Before you wag your tongues, Mateo never actually rode it except to go out of our garage. I was a bit relieved that Ramil agreed to sell it so we can set aside the money for the coming baby. Otherwise, life insurance is something I would seriously worry about. It’s not exactly safe to ride motorcycles with the kind of roads and drivers here in the Philippines. What he did is to buy a bicycle instead and use it for going to school. Aside from being healthier, it actually contributes even if just a little, to preserving the clean air. The most important thing is still my peace of mind.

I am currently in my 10th week of pregnancy. Although I’m happy that it’s just a few weeks until the first trimester is over, the ever-famous morning sickness is just quickly gaining momentum and as I’m dreading, haven’t reached it’s worst.

Aside from the all-day on-off nausea and vomiting reflex, I’ve also been feeling a little tightness around my middle. I can feel my post-pregnancy tummy handles from my pregnancy with Mateo jutting out more than usual, making me look like I’ve been eating too much. Even if I don’t need the best acne treatment, I don’t feel the least bit attractive right now. I’m going to be moving on to my old maternity clothes soon.

I still have several months to go until a different kind of difficulty. Nevertheless, the three of us are pretty excited. It’s definitely going to change the dynamics of our family. I just hope everyone, most especially MAteo, adjusts pretty well to it.

Not yet, but we hope soon. Hopefully, my parents will push through with lending us another car especially with my delivery happening in April. I guess it’s the ticket to seeing their second grandchild more often because Ramil and I don’t plan to go anywhere soon after I give birth unless we have a car for a more comfortable travel. Hence, we might start looking for a second-hand car soon. Of course, I’m not exactly looking forward to the hassles that come along with maintaining a car like regular tune-ups, change oils, and car insurance. To be honest, we’re good without a car if it’s just the two of us and Mateo especially since Mateo is such a good boy whenever we travel. It’s a totally different thing though once I give birth. So I’m actually praying for everything to push through before the year ends.

Ever since we moved here to Antipolo, I’d jokingly tell my parents to sell our house in Novaliches and just get a new house here as well. Being away from our parents has made Ramil and me more independent but it also has its share of disadvantages. It would be so convenient to have our parents even just a mere 10-minute drive away. I’m pretty sure they’d love to be that close to their grandson as well especially since there will be another grandchild soon. However, even with my jokes, I don’t think they seriously considered it. Apart from the many hassles of uprooting themselves and hiring services like moving companies Los Angeles, they’ve recently started another store in another location. They will be busy with their business in the next few months and I don’t think it will be a reality any time soon.

Most people who see Mateo remark that he looks like Ramil and I couldn’t agree more. However, there’s something with Mateo’s face and smile here that reminds me of myself. I realized how amazing the feeling is when you look at your child and you could almost touch the genetic material that came from you. I can imagine how vandals must feel everytime they leave their mark on a wall or on the back of a seat of a bus. I’m sure Mateo will grow up looking like Ramil and I don’t mind because there are looks and angles that will always remind me that I’ve left my mark on this world.

Ramil just bought a bike. We sold his motorcycle for many reasons and our solution was for him to buy a bicycle instead. It’s a pretty good buy for its price because it’s pure alloy and uses shimano parts. He plans to use it as his main transportation to school/work which is just a subdivision away. Aside from serving as a good exercise routine, we help the environment because it causes zero pollution.

The next day, I saw him checking out some parts and accessories for his bike. It got me so amused because it just goes to show that boys can be very particular about their things and hobbies. I told myself to keep this instance in mind the next time Ramil chuckles in amusement with my make-up kit and my kikay stuff. I also remember the time when my brother collected cheap airsoft guns. He had many kinds and some even looked real. My dad had a phase as well when he was so enamoured with fishing poles. Even though he’d rarely get a good catch, he’d take every oppoturnity to go fishing.

I guess boys never really grow out of their toys. The toys just get more expensive and more complicated.

This shot was taken in Mateo’s school where they have an astronaut standee. Mateo loved this when he first saw it in school and he was amused when he saw his picture. I asked him ‘Wow, are you an astronaut?’ and he answered me with a ‘No mama, it’s just a picture’. There’s no fooling kids nowadays

It’s 9:25 pm and yet all of us are still in school, even Mateo. We’ve been rushing grades and waiting for everyone to be ready for deliberations. I’m just thankful that Mateo is being entertained by my sister by playing many kinds of facebook games. It’s a good thing that there’s internet here and we were able to order from Mcdo. I’m hoping we’ll be able to go home soon.